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  1. Article ; Online: Clinical Toxoplasmosis in Dogs and Cats

    Rafael Calero-Bernal / Solange M. Gennari

    Frontiers in Veterinary Science, Vol

    An Update

    2019  Volume 6

    Abstract: Toxoplasmosis is caused by the globally distributed protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii (phylum Apicomplexa); the disease can be clinically important for almost all homeothermic animals, including birds and humans. Toxoplasmosis course involves general ... ...

    Abstract Toxoplasmosis is caused by the globally distributed protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii (phylum Apicomplexa); the disease can be clinically important for almost all homeothermic animals, including birds and humans. Toxoplasmosis course involves general clinical signs, such as fever, anorexia, or dyspnea, and more specific signs with neural, respiratory, cutaneous, or ocular involvement. Because of the wide range of clinical signs, the diagnosis in domestic and pet animals can be complicated. Hence, this review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of some scarcely discussed aspects of toxoplasmosis, such as ocular and cutaneous manifestations, congenital infections, influence of T. gondii genotype on clinical toxoplasmosis, and recent findings regarding differential diagnosis. This review could be of special interest to clinicians and researchers.
    Keywords Toxoplasma gondii ; dogs ; cats ; clinical disease ; symptoms ; genotype ; Veterinary medicine ; SF600-1100
    Subject code 610 ; 630
    Language English
    Publishing date 2019-02-01T00:00:00Z
    Publisher Frontiers Media S.A.
    Document type Article ; Online
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

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  2. Article ; Online: Anti- Toxoplasma gondii Antibodies in European Residents

    Rafael Calero-Bernal / Solange María Gennari / Santiago Cano / Martha Ynés Salas-Fajardo / Arantxa Ríos / Gema Álvarez-García / Luis Miguel Ortega-Mora

    Pathogens, Vol 12, Iss 12, p

    A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Studies Published between 2000 and 2020

    2023  Volume 1430

    Abstract: Toxoplasmosis has a major impact on animal and public health. Information regarding the seroprevalence of human Toxoplasma gondii infections from a European perspective has not yet been compiled to date. Thus, the present review summarized available ... ...

    Abstract Toxoplasmosis has a major impact on animal and public health. Information regarding the seroprevalence of human Toxoplasma gondii infections from a European perspective has not yet been compiled to date. Thus, the present review summarized available resident data from the period 2000–2020. The overall seroprevalence of anti- T. gondii IgG was 32.1%, with great variability between countries ( n = 30). The subgroup analysis identified different pooled prevalence data depending on the geographic area ( p < 0.0001), target population ( p = 0.0147), and serological diagnosis assays used ( p = 0.0059). A high heterogeneity (I 2 = 100%, p < 0.001; Q = 3.5e+05, d.f. = 135, p < 0.001) and degree of publication bias (Egger’s test = 6.14, p < 0.001) were observed among the 134 studies considered. The occurrence of anti- T. gondii IgM, which was reported in 64.7% of studies, reached a pooled seroprevalence of 0.6%. In addition, among the eight main risk factors identified, “contact with soil”, “consumption of undercooked beef”, and “intake of unwashed vegetables” were the most significantly associated with infections. The fact that one-third of the European population has been exposed to T. gondii justifies extra efforts to harmonize surveillance systems and develop additional risk-factor analyses based on detailed source attribution assessment.
    Keywords Toxoplasma gondii ; human ; Europe ; seroprevalence ; risk factors ; meta-analysis ; Medicine ; R
    Subject code 306
    Language English
    Publishing date 2023-12-01T00:00:00Z
    Publisher MDPI AG
    Document type Article ; Online
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

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  3. Article ; Online: Toxoplasma gondii infection in domestic and wild felids as public health concerns

    Kareem Hatam-Nahavandi / Rafael Calero-Bernal / Mohammad Taghi Rahimi / Abdol Sattar Pagheh / Mehdi Zarean / Asiyeh Dezhkam / Ehsan Ahmadpour

    Scientific Reports, Vol 11, Iss 1, Pp 1-

    a systematic review and meta-analysis

    2021  Volume 11

    Abstract: Abstract Felidae as definitive hosts for Toxoplasma gondii play a major role in transmission to all warm-blooded animals trough oocysts dissemination. Therefore the current comprehensive study was performed to determine the global status of T. gondii ... ...

    Abstract Abstract Felidae as definitive hosts for Toxoplasma gondii play a major role in transmission to all warm-blooded animals trough oocysts dissemination. Therefore the current comprehensive study was performed to determine the global status of T. gondii infection in domestic and wild felids aiming to provide comprehensive data of interest for further intervention approaching the One Health perspective. Different databases were searched by utilizing particular key words for publications related to T. gondii infecting domestic and wild feline host species, worldwide, from 1970 to 2020. The review of 337 reports showed that the seroprevalence of T. gondii in domestic cats and wild felids was estimated in 37.5% (95% CI 34.7–40.3) (I 2 = 98.3%, P < 0.001) and 64% (95% CI 60–67.9) (I 2 = 88%, P < 0.0001), respectively. The global pooled prevalence of oocysts in the fecal examined specimens from domestic cats was estimated in 2.6% (95% CI 1.9–3.3) (I 2 = 96.1%, P < 0.0001), and that in fecal samples from wild felids was estimated in 2.4% (95% CI 1.1–4.2) (I 2 = 86.4%, P < 0.0001). In addition, from 13,252 examined soil samples in 14 reviewed studies, the pooled occurrence of T. gondii oocysts was determined in 16.2% (95% CI 7.66–27.03%). The observed high rates of anti-T. gondii antibodies seroprevalence levels and oocyst excretion frequency in the felids, along with soil (environmental) contamination with oocysts may constitute a potential threat to animal and public health, and data will result of interest in further prophylaxis programs.
    Keywords Medicine ; R ; Science ; Q
    Subject code 630
    Language English
    Publishing date 2021-05-01T00:00:00Z
    Publisher Nature Portfolio
    Document type Article ; Online
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

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  4. Article ; Online: In vivo and in vitro models show unexpected degrees of virulence among Toxoplasma gondii type II and III isolates from sheep

    Mercedes Fernández-Escobar / Rafael Calero-Bernal / Javier Regidor-Cerrillo / Raquel Vallejo / Julio Benavides / Esther Collantes-Fernández / Luis Miguel Ortega-Mora

    Veterinary Research, Vol 52, Iss 1, Pp 1-

    2021  Volume 15

    Abstract: Abstract Toxoplasma gondii is an important zoonotic agent with high genetic diversity, complex epidemiology, and variable clinical outcomes in animals and humans. In veterinary medicine, this apicomplexan parasite is considered one of the main infectious ...

    Abstract Abstract Toxoplasma gondii is an important zoonotic agent with high genetic diversity, complex epidemiology, and variable clinical outcomes in animals and humans. In veterinary medicine, this apicomplexan parasite is considered one of the main infectious agents responsible for reproductive failure in small ruminants worldwide. The aim of this study was to phenotypically characterize 10 Spanish T. gondii isolates recently obtained from sheep in a normalized mouse model and in an ovine trophoblast cell line (AH-1) as infection target cells. The panel of isolates met selection criteria regarding such parameters as genetic diversity [types II (ToxoDB #1 and #3) and III (#2)], geographical location, and sample of origin (aborted foetal brain tissues or adult sheep myocardium). Evaluations of in vivo mortality, morbidity, parasite burden and histopathology were performed. Important variations between isolates were observed, although all isolates were classified as “nonvirulent” (< 30% cumulative mortality). The isolates TgShSp16 (#3) and TgShSp24 (#2) presented higher degrees of virulence. Significant differences were found in terms of in vitro invasion rates and tachyzoite yield at 72 h post-inoculation (hpi) between TgShSp1 and TgShSp24 isolates, which exhibited the lowest and highest rates, respectively. The study of the CS3, ROP18 and ROP5 loci allelic profiles revealed only type III alleles in ToxoDB #2 isolates and type II alleles in the #1 and #3 isolates included. We concluded that there are relevant intra- and inter-genotype virulence differences in Spanish T. gondii isolates, which could not be inferred by genetic characterization using currently described molecular markers.
    Keywords Toxoplasma gondii ; Genotype ; Murine model ; Ovine trophoblast ; Virulence degree ; Virulence factors ; Veterinary medicine ; SF600-1100
    Subject code 630
    Language English
    Publishing date 2021-06-01T00:00:00Z
    Publisher BMC
    Document type Article ; Online
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

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  5. Article ; Online: Absence of Neospora caninum DNA in Human Clinical Samples, Spain

    Rafael Calero-Bernal / Pilar Horcajo / Marta Hernández / Luis Miguel Ortega-Mora / Isabel Fuentes

    Emerging Infectious Diseases, Vol 25, Iss 6, Pp 1226-

    2019  Volume 1227

    Abstract: Low antibody titers to Neospora caninum have been reported in humans, but infection has not been confirmed. We used N. caninum–specific PCR to test 600 clinical samples from patients with toxoplasmosis signs but Toxoplasma gondii–negative PCR results. We ...

    Abstract Low antibody titers to Neospora caninum have been reported in humans, but infection has not been confirmed. We used N. caninum–specific PCR to test 600 clinical samples from patients with toxoplasmosis signs but Toxoplasma gondii–negative PCR results. We did not detect N. caninum DNA, demonstrating it is an unlikely opportunistic zoonotic agent.
    Keywords Neospora caninum ; toxoplasmosis ; neosporosis ; parasites ; PCR ; Spain ; Medicine ; R ; Infectious and parasitic diseases ; RC109-216
    Language English
    Publishing date 2019-06-01T00:00:00Z
    Publisher Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
    Document type Article ; Online
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

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  6. Article ; Online: Contamination of Soil, Water, Fresh Produce, and Bivalve Mollusks with Toxoplasma gondii Oocysts

    Nadia María López Ureña / Umer Chaudhry / Rafael Calero Bernal / Santiago Cano Alsua / Davide Messina / Francisco Evangelista / Martha Betson / Marco Lalle / Pikka Jokelainen / Luis Miguel Ortega Mora / Gema Álvarez García

    Microorganisms, Vol 10, Iss 517, p

    A Systematic Review

    2022  Volume 517

    Abstract: Toxoplasma gondii is a major foodborne pathogen capable of infecting all warm-blooded animals, including humans. Although oocyst-associated toxoplasmosis outbreaks have been documented, the relevance of the environmental transmission route remains poorly ...

    Abstract Toxoplasma gondii is a major foodborne pathogen capable of infecting all warm-blooded animals, including humans. Although oocyst-associated toxoplasmosis outbreaks have been documented, the relevance of the environmental transmission route remains poorly investigated. Thus, we carried out an extensive systematic review on T. gondii oocyst contamination of soil, water, fresh produce, and mollusk bivalves, following the PRISMA guidelines. Studies published up to the end of 2020 were searched for in public databases and screened. The reference sections of the selected articles were examined to identify additional studies. A total of 102 out of 3201 articles were selected: 34 articles focused on soil, 40 focused on water, 23 focused on fresh produce (vegetables/fruits), and 21 focused on bivalve mollusks. Toxoplasma gondii oocysts were found in all matrices worldwide, with detection rates ranging from 0.09% (1/1109) to 100% (8/8) using bioassay or PCR-based detection methods. There was a high heterogeneity (I 2 = 98.9%), which was influenced by both the sampling strategy (e.g., sampling site and sample type, sample composition, sample origin, season, number of samples, cat presence) and methodology (recovery and detection methods). Harmonized approaches are needed for the detection of T. gondii in different environmental matrices in order to obtain robust and comparable results.
    Keywords Toxoplasma gondii ; oocysts ; environment ; soil ; water ; fresh produce ; Biology (General) ; QH301-705.5
    Subject code 333
    Language English
    Publishing date 2022-02-01T00:00:00Z
    Publisher MDPI AG
    Document type Article ; Online
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

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  7. Article ; Online: Presence and genetic diversity of enteric protists in captive and semi-captive non-human primates in côte d’Ivoire, Sierra Leone, and Peru

    Pamela C. Köster / Juan Lapuente / Andrea Pizarro / Laura Prieto-Pérez / Ramón Pérez-Tanoira / Alejandro Dashti / Begoña Bailo / Aly S. Muadica / David González-Barrio / Rafael Calero-Bernal / Francisco Ponce-Gordo / David Carmena

    International Journal for Parasitology: Parasites and Wildlife, Vol 17, Iss , Pp 26-

    2022  Volume 34

    Abstract: Little information is currently available on the occurrence and genetic diversity of pathogenic and commensal protist species in captive and semi-captive non-human primates (NHP) resident in zoological gardens or sanctuaries in low- and medium-income ... ...

    Abstract Little information is currently available on the occurrence and genetic diversity of pathogenic and commensal protist species in captive and semi-captive non-human primates (NHP) resident in zoological gardens or sanctuaries in low- and medium-income countries. In this molecular-based study, we prospectively collected individual faecal samples from apparently healthy NHP at the Abidjan Zoological Garden (AZG) in Côte d’Ivoire, the Tacugama Sanctuary (TS) in Sierra Leone, and the Quistococha Zoological Garden (QZG) in Peru between November 2018 and February 2020. We evaluated for the presence of pathogenic (Cryptosporidium spp., Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia duodenalis, Blastocystis sp., Enterocytozoon bieneusi, Balantioides coli) and commensal (Entamoeba dispar, Troglodytella abrassarti) protist species using PCR methods and Sanger sequencing. Giardia duodenalis was the most prevalent species found (25.9%, 30/116), followed by Blastocystis sp. (22.4%, 26/116), and E. dispar (18.1%, 21/116). We detected E. bieneusi (4.2%, 1/24) and T. abrassarti (12.5%, 3/24) only on NHP from AZG. Cryptosporidium spp., E. histolytica, and B. coli were undetected at the three sampling sites investigated here. Sequence analyses revealed the presence of zoonotic sub-assemblages BIII (n = 1) in AZG and BIV (n = 1) in TS within G. duodenalis. We identified Blastocystis subtype ST3 (100%, 6/6) in AZG, ST1 (80.0%, 12/15), ST2 (6.7%, 1/15), and ST3 (13.3%, 2/15) in TS, and ST2 (80.0%, 4/5) and ST3 (20.0%, 1/5) in QZG. The only E. bieneusi isolate detected here was identified as zoonotic genotype CAF4. Our PCR-based data indicate that potentially pathogenic protist species including G. duodenalis, Blastocystis sp., E. bieneusi, and B. coli are present at variable rates in the three NHP populations investigated here. The identification of zoonotic genotypes within these species indicates that human-NHP transmission is possible, although the extent and directionality of these events need to be elucidated in future molecular surveys.
    Keywords Enteric protists ; Captive non-human primates ; Genotyping ; Conservation ; Zoonoses ; Transmission ; Zoology ; QL1-991
    Subject code 580
    Language English
    Publishing date 2022-04-01T00:00:00Z
    Publisher Elsevier
    Document type Article ; Online
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

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  8. Article ; Online: Isolation, Genotyping, and Mouse Virulence Characterization of Toxoplasma gondii From Free Ranging Iberian Pigs

    Mercedes Fernández-Escobar / Rafael Calero-Bernal / Javier Regidor-Cerrillo / Raquel Vallejo / Julio Benavides / Esther Collantes-Fernández / Luis Miguel Ortega-Mora

    Frontiers in Veterinary Science, Vol

    2020  Volume 7

    Abstract: The present study aimed to isolate and perform molecular and phenotypic characterization of Toxoplasma gondii strains infecting Iberian pigs bred under semi-free conditions and destined for human consumption. Blood and heart tissue samples from 361 ... ...

    Abstract The present study aimed to isolate and perform molecular and phenotypic characterization of Toxoplasma gondii strains infecting Iberian pigs bred under semi-free conditions and destined for human consumption. Blood and heart tissue samples from 361 fattening pigs from 10 various herds selected in the main areas of Iberian pig production were collected at a slaughterhouse; the sera were tested for anti-T. gondii antibodies using a commercial indirect ELISA kit, and a mouse bioassay was carried out using heart muscle of seropositive individual representatives from each geographical location. Seventy-nine (21.9%) of the 361 animals tested positive for anti-T. gondii antibodies according to the serology test. Fifteen samples of myocardial tissue were subjected to bioassay and 5 isolates (TgPigSp1 to TgPigSp5) were obtained. The isolates were characterized by using 11 PCR-RFLP genetic markers; three isolates had a ToxoDB #3 genotype (3/5) and two isolates had a ToxoDB #2 genotype (2/5). The TgPigSp1 and TgPigSp4 isolates were selected for virulence in mice characterization as instances of each different RFLP-genotype found. The TgPigSp1 isolate (#2 genotype) was virulent in mice with notable cumulative mortality (87.5%) and morbidity rates (100%); the TgPigSp4 (#3) was nonvirulent and triggered mild clinical signs in 42.1% of seropositive mice. Infection dynamics and organ distribution of both isolates were analyzed; the data revealed significant differences, including substantially higher parasite load in the lung during the acute phase of infection, in mice infected with TgPigSp1 than in the case of TgPigSp4 (median parasite load 7.6 vs. 0 zoites/mg, respectively; p < 0.05). Furthermore, degrees of severity of detected histopathological lesions appeared to be related to higher parasite burdens. Taking into account the unexpectedly high mortality rate and parasite load associated with the clonal genotype III, which is traditionally considered nonvirulent in mice, the need for further investigation and ...
    Keywords Toxoplasma gondii ; Iberian pigs ; isolates ; genotypes ; virulence ; Veterinary medicine ; SF600-1100
    Subject code 630
    Language English
    Publishing date 2020-11-01T00:00:00Z
    Publisher Frontiers Media S.A.
    Document type Article ; Online
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

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  9. Article ; Online: First Description of Sarcoptic Mange in a Free-Ranging European Wildcat ( Felis silvestris silvestris ) from Spain

    Fernando Nájera / Elena Crespo / Amalia García-Talens / Rebeca Grande-Gómez / Francisco Javier Herrera-Sánchez / Michaela Gentil / Carmen Cortés-García / Elisabeth Müller / Rafael Calero-Bernal / Luis Revuelta

    Animals, Vol 11, Iss 2494, p

    2021  Volume 2494

    Abstract: Sarcoptic mange caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei is a worldwide-distributed skin infestation with a wide range of hosts, among them several species within the Felidae family. Sarcoptes scabiei was diagnosed in a dead adult female European wildcat ( ... ...

    Abstract Sarcoptic mange caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei is a worldwide-distributed skin infestation with a wide range of hosts, among them several species within the Felidae family. Sarcoptes scabiei was diagnosed in a dead adult female European wildcat ( Felis silvestris silvestris ) from Spain, based on histological evaluation of skin biopsies and identification of the arthropod from skin scrapings and molecular methods. This is the first description of Sarcoptes scabiei in a European wildcat. Due to its critical demography in the southernmost population of the Iberian Peninsula, the impacts of infectious diseases, including sarcoptic mange, as a new potential threat should be considered during disease surveillance programs of the species’ populations.
    Keywords European wildcat ; Felis silvestris ; mange ; Sarcoptes scabiei ; Spain ; Veterinary medicine ; SF600-1100 ; Zoology ; QL1-991
    Language English
    Publishing date 2021-08-01T00:00:00Z
    Publisher MDPI AG
    Document type Article ; Online
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

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  10. Article ; Online: Long-Term Preservation and Storage of Faecal Samples in Whatman ® Cards for PCR Detection and Genotyping of Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium hominis

    Pamela Carolina Köster / Begoña Bailo / Alejandro Dashti / Carolina Hernández-Castro / Rafael Calero-Bernal / Francisco Ponce-Gordo / David González-Barrio / David Carmena

    Animals, Vol 11, Iss 1369, p

    2021  Volume 1369

    Abstract: Preservation and conservation of biological specimens, including faecal samples, is a challenge in remote areas or poor-resource settings where the cold chain cannot be maintained. This study aims at evaluating the suitability of filter cards for long- ... ...

    Abstract Preservation and conservation of biological specimens, including faecal samples, is a challenge in remote areas or poor-resource settings where the cold chain cannot be maintained. This study aims at evaluating the suitability of filter cards for long-term storage of faecal samples of animal and human origin positive to the diarrhoea-causing protozoan parasites, Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium hominis . Three commercially available Whatman ® Filter Cards were comparatively assessed: the FTA ® Classic Card, the FTA ® Elute Micro Card, and the 903 Protein Saver Card. Human faecal samples positive to G. duodenalis ( n = 5) and C. hominis ( n = 5) were used to impregnate the selected cards at given storage (1 month, 3 months, and 6 months) periods and temperature (−20 °C, 4 °C, and room temperature) conditions. Parasite DNA was detected by PCR-based methods. Sensitivity assays and quality control procedures to assess suitability for genotyping purposes were conducted. Overall, all three Whatman ® cards were proven useful for the detection and molecular characterisation of G. duodenalis and C. hominis under the evaluated conditions. Whatman ® cards represent a simple, safe, and cost-effective option for the transportation, preservation, and storage of faecal samples without the need of the cold chain.
    Keywords filter card ; faeces ; transportation ; storage ; preservation ; Giardia duodenalis ; Veterinary medicine ; SF600-1100 ; Zoology ; QL1-991
    Subject code 333
    Language English
    Publishing date 2021-05-01T00:00:00Z
    Publisher MDPI AG
    Document type Article ; Online
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

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